Biographies

Each Performer unique, each performance special!

The Park Avenue Band consists of nine personalities, each with his/her own history of entertaining discerning audiences. Each member is a veteran performing artist and musician. All have had formal instruction, and many are University-trained in music or performance.

Any member of The Park Avenue Band could lead (and has) a dynamite, crowd pleasing ensemble of their own. The fact that this diverse, talented group has assembled under The Park Avenue Band logo is a testament to the depth of experience, and superb showmanship, which only this nine piece Band can represent. Here are a few words 'of note' about each member of The Park Avenue Band:

Kate Engle hails from Central Indiana's prolific music scene and she has performed with many of the Midwest's most notable Jazz, R&B, and Rock bands including The West Winds Big Band. Her powerful voice can range from hip and contemporary to smooth and sultry --- and she's known for her quick wit and enduring smile! Kate is an experienced, professional musician who is comfortable on stage and confident in her exceptional abilities as a performer! She also plays clarinet in the Indianapolis Wind Symphony! Kate has sung the Star Spangled Banner at Colts, Pacers, and Indians games!

Steven Hedrick began his music career in Kansas City where he attended UMKC Conservatory and studied voice. Steven has extensive stage and theater experience (Porgy and Bess, Blues Don't Make Me Cry, Black Broadway) and he has enjoyed starring roles in many productions including Get Ready and Their Eyes Are Watching God (American Cabaret Theater). His performance credits also include the band Full House, Kansas City, and the Philadelphia based band Living Proof. He is an accomplished songwriter and he is currently developing an all original project as Adashe (Reverbnation). Although Steven delivers high energy renditions masterfully, he is best known for his impeccable, "smooth" vocal stylings!

Saxophone

Jay Rifkind has played the saxophone most of his life and considers it a “passion.” He has played in a rock band for many years called "Hocus Pocus." Jay also played with Dr. Bop and the Headliners, and he has his own jazz group called "What's Cookin". He is the featured soloist in many of the songs played by The Park Avenue Band and plays with several other Indy jazz and rock groups including Swing Shift Indy. Dr. Jay is a retired dentist and his wife, Margie, have three children and 1 grandchild!

Trombone & Vocals

Tom Ewigleben is a founding member of The Park Avenue Band and he is the band's musical director. Tom is a sought after music arranger and composer. Not only is Tom a great trombonist, he is a retired music educator. In addition, Tom leads The West Winds Big Band and The Jazz Torino. Tom plays in several area big bands including JoySwing (a Christian Big Band) Swing Shift Indy, GMH Jazz Orchestra, Sound Ecologies Orchestra, and St. Mark's United Methodist Orchestra., cover bands, The Capital Brass Quintet, and has subbed in most all of the area symphonies. Tom is married to Terri Ewigleben, Principal Trumpet of the Lafayette Symphony, and together they have two sons, two daughter-in-laws, and 5 grand children!

Guitar

Jim Benge began studying the guitar at age of 6 and he pursued guitar studies at the Indianapolis Conservatory of Music for seven years. Jim had Big Band and Orchestra experience when he was younger, but he began his guitar quest in earnest while in college. He toured the country for several years playing lead guitar in a rock band, and then settled down in Indianapolis to play in numerous local Rock and Blues bands including a five year stint as lead guitarist for an award winning country band. Jim's expert guitar playing and his able leadership have helped The Park Avenue Band to become one of the top event bands in Indiana.

Drums

Rick Wagoner is the driver of the groove for TPAB. He is currently working for Paige's Music in Indianapolis and is a retired band director for the Avon Community School Corporation. Besides playing with The Park Avenue Band, he plays around the Indianapolis area as a freelance percussionist with groups like the Indianapolis Brass Choir, the West Winds Big Band, The Jazz Torino Quintet and others. Rick is married to Karen and together they have three children and one grandchild!

Trumpet

Trevor Ewigleben graduated in Business with a Music Performance minor from Anderson University. Trevor resides locally in Indianapolis with his wife and three children. Full time he works as a cyber security strategist, but he plays trumpet with several jazz big bands including The West Winds Big Band, rock bands, and symphonies all over the state. Trevor is also a Sergeant in the Indiana National Guard Band where he plays with another jazz big band, small jazz combo, and their concert band. He is also been honored to play taps just before the green flag waves at the start of the Indianapolis 500! This year Trevor decided to take the day off and spend time with the family!

Piano, Organ, Keyboards & Vocals

Kathy Ryan’s music career has taken on numerous facets, including serving as a piano teacher, music therapist, composer, arranger, accompanist/vocal coach, and playing piano, keyboard and melodica in numerous pop, jazz and classical groups. She also was the morning classical music radio host on WICR 88.7FM for six years.

When not immersed in music, Kathy will most likely be found nosing around in her garden, off on a meditation retreat, hiking with her husband, Paul or snuggling with her cats.

Bass & Vocals

Dr. Franko Felice is an eclectic composer/musician/bassist who began his musical studies in Hamilton, Montana, singing, playing piano, guitar and double bass. He attended Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, the University of Colorado, and Butler University. Frank is married to Mitzi, who is a professor at The University of Indianapolis.

Frank currently teaches as an associate professor of composition, theory and electronic music in the School of Music, Jordan College of Arts at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. In addition TPAB, Dr. F plays bass in The West Winds Big Band and The Jazz Torino.